Unfortunately, it is a fact that millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.